Honda CR-V

Hondas latest CR-V diesel is aiming to cement its place at the top of the compact 4x4 tree. As Andy Enright reports, it faces some tough rivals

Before you put pen to paper and commit to purchase a Honda CRV 2.2 i-CTDi, youve got to be ruthlessly honest with yourself. In fact, youve got to undertake an exercise in merciless self-flagellation the like of which virtually no other car imposes upon you. How so? Well, this Honda is a 4x4 that even its manufacturers tacitly admit is next to useless off road.
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Škoda Octavia Scout

Ready to be unveiled at next month's Paris Motor Show, the new 4x4 is a cheaper alternative to Audi's A6 Avant-based Allroad, and widens the appeal of Skoda's model range.

Riding 40mm higher than the standard Octavia estate, the Scout doesn't feature the adjustable air-suspension of the Audi, but it still has enough ground clearance to tackle rough roads. What's more, with a tough all-wheel-drive system and underbody protection, it should offer all the mild mud-plugging ability most owners will ever need.

Visually, the Scout is given a chunky finish with a redesigned front and rear bumper, as well as extended side skirts and wheelarches. The extra bodywork has increased the overall dimensions, and at 4,581mm in length, the model is 10mm longer and 15mm wider than the standard Octavia 4x4, which is already available in the UK. At the rear, twin exhausts are also standard.

Inside, the Scout variant is set apart by unique trim designed to reflect the rugged exterior styling. Buyers have a choice of two engines. A 2.0-litre FSI petrol developing 148bhp will provide maximum refinement, while a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel offers greater economy. Both are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Following its debut in Paris, the car goes on sale in the UK early next year. Only estate variants will be available, but the existing 4x4 model will remain in the line-up alongside the Scout.

Volkswagen Touareg

he luxurious New Touareg, offers even more for those seeking a premium 4x4. Sporting a striking restyle for it’s launch in March 2007, including updated headlights, distinctive grille, front wings and bumper.

The New Touareg combines class-leading levels of on-road comfort and performance with outstanding off-road capabilities, now available to order. This great all-rounder can tow 3.5 tonnes, ford water up to half a metre deep* and climb slopes of 45 degrees, thanks to a host of all-terrain solutions.

Intelligent safety features include the advanced new ABSplus system which can cut braking distances by 20 per cent on rough ground. While the improved Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) now offers Active Rollover Protection (ARP), rain brake support and understeer control logic for sharper turning performance.
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Seat Leon Cupra

The new León Cupra is hitting the roads – a vehicle in which SEAT has implemented all of the knowledge gained during the current successful World Touring Car Championship season; the Spanish make is, in fact, one of the favourites for the WTCC constructors and drivers championship. For SEAT, whose goal is to create sporty cars with cutting-edge design and the latest technology, the arrival of the new León Cupra is not just a source of satisfaction and pride; it is also essential.

The new Cupra is also a record-breaking car: it is the most powerful SEAT passenger car to date. With 240 hp, the new model sits at the top of SEAT’s sporty range. The León Cupra’s advanced engineering, allied to its agile chassis, looks set to create a stir in the increasingly competitive hot hatch marke
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Citroen C-Métisse

Looking at C-Métisse is a visual shock in itself. Long (4.74 m), wide (2 m) and low (1.24 m), the car is sculptural and almost intimidating. It demands immediate respect. However, far from creating a sense of distance between the onlooker and the car, this respect is mingled with an irresistible appeal, an absolute attraction.

Whether we're looking at the rear wheel arches, the bonnet or even the boot, an astonishing sensuality is reflected in the car's curving, sleekly muscled volumes.

The seduction of C-Métisse is also expressed through a sense of latent power. Even when stationary, the body suggests movement. With its very long bonnet and virtually inexistent rear overhang, C-Métisse brings to mind the design balance of vehicles seen during the golden age of Grand Touring.
The design lines of C-Métisse also reflect the quest for outstanding aerodynamics, delivering improved fuel economy and lower pollutant emissions while also integrating the latest technological developments. Positioned either side of the double chevron badge on the radiator grille, the headlamps are equipped with a row of LEDs that light up progressively, depending on the steering-wheel angle and vehicle speed. This feature ensures excellent lighting when driving on winding roads by night. At the same time, the Michelin tyres with their central wheel nuts contribute to the sporting character of the coupé. More specifically, the development of these tyres was integrated with the vehicle design process, in order to optimise resistance to air and thus contribute to the vehicle's excellent drag coefficient (Cd of 0.30).
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Peugeot 4007

The name - 4007 - has a double zero identity to show that it represents another new concept in Peugeot´s ever developing model range. The ´4´ represents its size within the Peugeot range and the ´7´ it´s generation.

The vehicle is the result of a collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroכn and the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and this new 4x4 SUV will be on sale during the second half of 2007.

Stylish yet distinctive, the Peugeot 4007 has been designed at Peugeot´s design centre in Velizy, France. With tapered headlights and open front grille, the recognisable ´feline´ look of the new Peugeot range is still evident here. The chrome structure lends an elegant and authoritative edge.

Peugeot 908 RC Concep

Eine viertürige Limousine mit Zwölfzylinder-Dieselmotor stellt Peugeot Ende September auf dem Pariser Automobilsalon vor. Der Peugeot 908 RC gibt einen Ausblick auf den Diesel-Sportwagen 908, mit dem der Hersteller im nächsten Jahr bei der Le Mans Serie antreten will. Peugeot ist nach Audi der zweite Autohersteller, der mit einem Diesel-Fahrzeug am 24-Stunden-Rennen von Le Mans teilnehmen wird.

Im Concept Car und im späteren Rennwagen kommt ein V12-HDi-Motor mit 5,5 Litern Hubraum, mehr als 515 kW/700 PS Leistung und einem maximalen Drehmoment von mehr als 1 200 Nm zum Einsatz. Das quer im Heck eingebaute Triebwerk ist mit zwei Rußpartikelfiltern ausgerüstet. Die Kraftübertragung auf die Hinterräder erfolgt über ein automatisiertes, auf hohe Drehmomente ausgelegtes Sechsgang-Schaltgetriebe.

Lincoln MKR Concept

As unflattering as we found the Ford Interceptor, we’re nearly gaga for Lincoln’s concept, the MKR. This sleek four-door coupe — think Mercedes-Benz CLS — is elegant with some menace thrown in for good measure. Like the Ford Interceptor, it’s based on the Ford Mustang platform but with an independent rear suspension to make the ride more comfortable. It also features a completely unique engine we hope will make its way into production. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 called the “Twin Force” pumps out 415 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and runs on E85. While we don’t care about its ethanol leanings, the Turbo V-6 is a thing of beauty.

Ford Interceptor Concept

The Ford Interceptor Concept is jaw-dropping, but not necessarily in a good way. While we can’t talk about the rest of what Ford will be unveiling at Detroit until next week, the Interceptor is by far one of our least favorites, at least to the eye. Quickly, we’ll tell you about the stuff you can’t see for yourself in these pictures. The Interceptor is based on an elongated Mustang platform, bringing rear-wheel drive performance to a new Ford sedan. Powering the Interceptor is a modified version of the Mustang’s V-8 engine that is actually used in racing circuits. In this car it would produce 400 hp and run on E85.

Hummer H3x

It hasn't even been a year since the new "budget" HUMMER H3 went on sale, but GM is already getting ready to show a new variation dubbed the H3x at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Based off of the H3 Street Concept that was unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas last November, the H3x will be a 2007 model targeting HUMMER buyers looking to spice up their ride with an even bolder customized appearance package.

"The H3x enables buyers to enjoy the appearance of a personalized, accessorized truck available directly from the factory," commented Susan Docherty, HUMMER general manager. "Its intended for those who want to make a personal style statement and differentiate themselves from other H3 owners."

What upgrades differentiate the H3x from the regular H3? The H3x starts out Luxury package equipped, and adds chrome tube steps, chrome appearance package and chrome fuel door. A body-color grille replaces the chrome unit, making the new chrome brush guard stand out more prominently.
The H3x also gets a body-color spare tire cover with a unique chrome embellishment featuring a HUMMER appliqué, plus an exclusive wheel, center cap and tire package.

On the inside, added to the luxury package components, embroidered headrests add a touch of exclusivity.

A choice of eight exterior colors and three leather interiors can be had, just like the regular H3, plus an assortment of dealer add-ons are also available.

The H3x will be in dealerships across the country in August of 2006.

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